What skills does a recreational therapist need?

A recreational therapist needs 7 essential skills including review music therapy treatment approaches, perform therapeutic musical repertoire, maintain healthcare user data confidentiality, provide health education, listen actively. Core competencies include .

Will AI replace recreational therapist jobs?

The AI disruption score for recreational therapist is 13/100 (very low risk). Some tasks may be automated but the role will evolve rather than disappear entirely.

HealthcareHealth professionalsISCO 2269

recreational therapist

Recreational therapists offer treatment to persons who have behavioural disorders or conditions. They use techniques and interventions such as art, music, animals and dance to promote, maintain and restore the development and health of the patient.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (7)

review music therapy treatment approachesreview music therapy treatment approachesModify and revise treatment plans as needed based on patient`s response to therapy.perform therapeutic musical repertoireperform therapeutic musical repertoirePerform appropriate undergraduate repertoire in music therapy sessions, according to the needs of the patient.maintain healthcare user data confidentialitymaintain healthcare user data confidentialityComply with and maintain the confidentiality of healthcare users` illness and treatment information.provide health educationprovide health educationProvide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...assess the patient's therapeutic needsassess the patient's therapeutic needsObserve and assess the patient`s behaviour, attitudes and emotions in order to understand if and how their therapeutic needs can be met with a specific kind of therapy, collecting and analysing inform...develop a collaborative therapeutic relationshipdevelop a collaborative therapeutic relationshipDevelop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.

Optional (87)

eating disorderseating disordersThe various types, pathophysiology and psychology of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorders and how they can be treated.health care legislationhealth care legislationThe patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.fine artsfine artsThe theory and techniques required to compose, produce and perform works of visual arts as drawing, painting, sculpture and other art forms.sexologysexologyThe characteristics and evolution of human sexual activity, sexual orientation and the sexual relationship for various group types such as teenagers, elderly or disabled people.cognitive psychologycognitive psychologyThe human mental processes such as attention, memory, language use, perception, problem solving, creativity and thinking.health care occupation-specific ethicshealth care occupation-specific ethicsThe moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patie...theory of art therapytheory of art therapyThe art therapy history and theory, events, and practitioners, and the development of art therapy as a distinct therapeutic practice, the overview of psychotherapy theories relevant to art therapy, th...human physiologyhuman physiologyThe science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.geriatricsgeriatricsGeriatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.medical studiesmedical studiesThe basics and terminology of medical studies.applied music therapyapplied music therapyThe manifestations, symptoms and causes of illnesses and how they can be treated through music therapy.cognitive behavioural therapycognitive behavioural therapyThe solution-focused approach to treating mental disorders oriented towards solving problems by teaching new information-processing skills and coping mechanisms.autismautismThe characteristics, causes, symptoms and diagnosis of the neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication and repetitive behaviour.reflexionreflexionThe way to listen to individuals, to summarise the major points and clarify what they are feeling in order to help them reflect on their behaviour.peer group methodspeer group methodsThe techniques relevant for peer group education, where each member is encouraged to express or exchange a particular type of behaviour or piece of information.neurologyneurologyNeurology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.psychopharmacologypsychopharmacologyThe awareness of various effects that medicines have on the patient or client's behaviour, mood and thinking.disability typesdisability typesThe nature and types of disabilities affecting the human beings such as physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional or developmental and the specific needs and access requirements of disabled peop...psychotherapy principlespsychotherapy principlesThe fundamental principles and methods applied in psychotherapy to explore and resolve distressing behaviour or feelings.victimologyvictimologyThe relationships between victims and perpetrators, the frequency of victimization and the psychological effects it has on the victim.paediatricspaediatricsPaediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.sociologysociologyThe group behaviour and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.philosophyphilosophyThe different philosophical systems, their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices and their impact on human culture.pedagogypedagogyThe discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.psychosociologypsychosociologyThe implications related to how an individual is behaving, depending on the group to which the individual belongs to and how this influences him/her.human psychological developmenthuman psychological developmentThe human psychological development across the lifespan, theories of personality development, cultural and environmental influences, human behavior, including developmental crises, disability, excepti...relaxation techniquesrelaxation techniquesThe various methods and techniques used to alleviate stress and bring peace and relaxation to the body and mind. This includes activities such as yoga, qigong or t`ai chi.animal therapyanimal therapyThe involvement of animals in a treatment in order to improve the social, emotional or cognitive functioning of the patient.dance therapydance therapyThe implementation of dance in a therapeutic treatment in order to improve the self-esteem and body image of the patient.psychologypsychologyThe human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.music therapy processesmusic therapy processesThe development stage of a music therapy process which includes receiving patients referred to from healthcare professionals, educational professionals, completing an assessment through the study of m...behavioural therapybehavioural therapyThe characteristics and foundations of behavioural therapy, which focuses on changing patients` unwanted or negative behaviour. It involves studying the present behaviour and the means by which this c...anthropologyanthropologyThe study of development and behaviour of human beings.psychopathologypsychopathologyThe criteria of psychiatric diagnoses, the use of the disease classification system, and the theories of psychopathology. The indicators of functional and organic disorders and the types of psychophar...psychoacousticspsychoacousticsThe characteristics of sound perception from music or speech and their psychological effects on the individual`s hearing.psychoanalysispsychoanalysisThe types of psychoanalytic theories and techniques that relate to the unconscious mental processes.types of music therapiestypes of music therapiesThe different types of music therapies such as active, receptive and functional music therapy.respond to changing situations in health carerespond to changing situations in health careCope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.educate on the prevention of illnesseducate on the prevention of illnessOffer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and healt...inform policy makers on health-related challengesinform policy makers on health-related challengesProvide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.control animal movementcontrol animal movementDirect, control or restrain some or part of an animal's, or a group of animals', movement.use e-health and mobile health technologiesuse e-health and mobile health technologiesUse mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.empathise with the healthcare userempathise with the healthcare userUnderstand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence...prepare treatment plan for art therapyprepare treatment plan for art therapyMake a treatment plan outlining possible art therapy strategies such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage with patients ranging from young children to the elderly, looking for forms of art the...perform dancesperform dancesPerform in artistic productions of differents disciplines such as classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary dance, early dance, ethnic dance, folk dance, acrobatic dances and street dance.record healthcare users' progress related to treatmentrecord healthcare users' progress related to treatmentRecord the healthcare user's progress in response to treatment by observing, listening and measuring outcomes.use art in a therapeutic settinguse art in a therapeutic settingWork creatively with various groups of patients in a therapeutic setting.record treated patient's informationrecord treated patient's informationRecord information accurately relating to the progress of the patient during therapy sessions.recognise patients' reaction to therapyrecognise patients' reaction to therapyRespond to significant changes, patterns and dangers in the patient's response to therapy.manage healthcare users' datamanage healthcare users' dataKeep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, wr...deal with emergency care situationsdeal with emergency care situationsAssess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.apply music therapy treatment methodsapply music therapy treatment methodsUse various active and receptive intervention techniques in music therapy such as singing, playing instruments, improvising or rhythmic based experiences.practice gestalt therapypractice gestalt therapyUse gestalt therapy techniques such as the empty chair technique and the exaggeration exercise in individual or group settings in the shape of creative exercises and experiments, aiming to make the in...plan music therapy sessionsplan music therapy sessionsMake a treatment plan, outlining possible strategies and musical experiences that might be helpful in meeting the patient`s needs, setting clear goals for the patients to achieve and agreeing on a pro...communicate in healthcarecommunicate in healthcareCommunicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.diagnose mental disordersdiagnose mental disordersFormulate a diagnosis for people with a variety of issues and mental disorders, ranging from short-term personal and emotional problems to severe, chronic mental conditions, recognising and critically...encourage healthcare user's self-monitoringencourage healthcare user's self-monitoringEncourage the healthcare user to engage in self-monitoring by conducting situational and developmental analyses on him- or herself. Assist the healthcare user to develop a degree of self-critique and ...handle patient traumahandle patient traumaAssess the competences, needs, and limitations of people affected by trauma, referring the patients to specialised trauma services where appropriate.advise on healthcare users' informed consentadvise on healthcare users' informed consentEnsure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.apply art therapy interventionsapply art therapy interventionsTreat individuals or groups in inpatient, outpatient, partial treatment programs, and aftercare with art therapy interventions, to explore verbal, behavioural, and artistic communication, treatment pl...write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...comply with quality standards related to healthcare practicecomply with quality standards related to healthcare practiceApply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associati...assess music therapy sessionsassess music therapy sessionsReview and assess music therapy sessions to monitor their effectiveness and to facilitate the planning of any subsequent sessions.comply with legislation related to health carecomply with legislation related to health careComply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.observe healthcare usersobserve healthcare usersObserve healthcare users and record significant conditions and reactions to drugs, treatments, and significant incidents, notifying a supervisor or physician when required.apply music therapy assessment methodsapply music therapy assessment methodsApply specific music therapy procedures and methods for client evaluation and possible preliminary diagnosis.adhere to organisational guidelinesadhere to organisational guidelinesAdhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.apply risk management in sportsapply risk management in sportsManage the environment and athletes or participants to minimise their chances of suffering any harm. This includes checking appropriateness of venue and equipment and gathering relevant sport and heal...perform therapy sessionsperform therapy sessionsWork in sessions with individuals or groups to deliver therapy in a controlled environment.work in a multicultural environment in health carework in a multicultural environment in health careInteract, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.identify patients' behavioursidentify patients' behavioursAnalyse and identify patient`s functional and dysfunctional behaviours.apply music therapy methodsapply music therapy methodsApply existing music therapy methods, techniques, materials, and equipment in line with the patient`s therapeutic needs and the treatment plan already created.promote inclusionpromote inclusionPromote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive envi...assess art therapy sessionsassess art therapy sessionsEvaluate the effectiveness of art therapy sessions to aid the planning of subsequent sessions.organise relapse preventionorganise relapse preventionHelp the patient or client identify and anticipate high risk situations or external and internal triggers. Support them in developing better coping strategies and back-up plans in case of future diffi...use foreign languages for health-related researchuse foreign languages for health-related researchUse foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.ensure safety of healthcare usersensure safety of healthcare usersMake sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing condit...apply organisational techniquesapply organisational techniquesEmploy a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and s...work with healthcare users' social networkwork with healthcare users' social networkGet involved with the friends, families and other relevant actors important for the client or patient being treated, under the conditions of confidentiality and transparency.apply context specific clinical competencesapply context specific clinical competencesApply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within ...develop a repertoire for music therapy sessionsdevelop a repertoire for music therapy sessionsDevelop and maintain a repertoire of music for music therapy according to age, culture and stylistic differences.use foreign languages in patient careuse foreign languages in patient careCommunicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.refer healthcare usersrefer healthcare usersMake referrals to other professionals, based on the healthcare user's requirements and needs, especially when recognising that additional healthcare diagnostics or interventions are required.work in multidisciplinary health teamswork in multidisciplinary health teamsParticipate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.take referred patientstake referred patientsTake referred patients, including self-referred ones and referrals from other professionals such as teachers, psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists.accept own accountabilityaccept own accountabilityAccept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.apply psychoanalysisapply psychoanalysisConduct psychoanalysis on patients, focusing on unconscious forces that can have a negative effect on their psychological well-being.